Tuesday, April 23, 2013

where have all the old names gone?










Indian Motorcycles is alive and, well producing motorcycles again. New Indian motorcycles, at a premium price. And I hope they do well, this time. For since they went to their final rest, at the time back in 1953, the name has been resurrected a few times, around a new bike, and new companies. Only to fail, leaving the newest owner with a dream and a marketplace to fill. Of all the great old names in motorcycling, only Harley Davidson, and Triumph thrive today. Harley has escaped death a few times, and was finally purchased and reborn in 1983 when a group of executives bought Harley, and reinvented it, along with some of the slickest marketing ever known, so good a course is taught at the college level about it. Triumph, a year older than The Motor Company, was all but out of business, down to a few bikes built a year for custom orders, when John Bloor, a British industrialist bought the name and the rights. He builds cities, and although not a biker, per se, was influenced by others enough to resurrect Triumph and its name. For historical value if nothing else. And when he decided to build new Triumph motorcycles, figured he had one chance to make it. And it had to be based on Quality, something missing from the market until the Japanese invented it in the 60’s. You can only get by on your reputation for a short time, and today they are celebrating over 20 years in business! Building bikes in multiple countries, slowly establishing the old standby “the sun never sets on the English empire.” And so I hope that Indian makes it, and after sitting on one, no test rides yet, I was impressed. Great styling, quality, and workmanship. High priced, but if can’t afford it, ride something else. Just don’t touch my bike! And although not a cruiser guy, I hope they make it. And being owned by Polaris, who makes snowmobiles, and Victories, I think they will, with people and money to back them, could an Indian be in your future? Another American built V-twin?
And so we see value in a name, and what it can mean. Norton has also been trying to re-invent itself, a few times over, and has even built a few bikes, for display only. BSA, RIP, gone forever. As with Matchless, Excelsior, and other hallowed names in motorcycledom. I even know the guy who is bringing back Crocker, an LA based bike from the thirties. Steeped in tradition, and folklore, I hope he makes it. Vincent didn’t, although my friend and fellow rider Barney Li tried. Only his dying from a crash while touring prevented us from knowing how good they could have been. Even Royal Enfield continues on today, with a cult like following, their bikes still made in India, since 1954, bragging about how you can buy a new 1954 bike today. Low priced, and good for around town, I too hope they make it. We need the old names, the old history to come back. For we have a generation who asks me often “Triumph, does Honda make them?” To them Honda is an old name, going back to the 40’s. Did they really ride back then? So I advise these new companies to take the example of Harley and Triumph, and stay true to your roots. Don’t try to be what you aren’t, just ask Eric Buell, raped by Harley. but now thriving again on his own, you can’t keep a good man, or his bike down. So maybe what we ride tells us more about ourselves and who we are than we think. I ride a Triumph, you go figure.
Funny thing about revival, you can only revive something that was once alive. Resurrection only works on the dead. And that was what all were before we came to Christ-dead, in sin. it took a savior, Jesus to save us. Not religion, not chanting, not more rules, or legalism. We don’t need more religious types to show us the way, we needed Jesus. So that is exactly what God did, He resurrected Him. History, even outside of the Bible tells us of Him, He is an historical fact. Birth and death. But it is His resurrection that throws people off, that they find hard to believe. Yet the same people that have enough faith to push a starter button, not knowing how it works, don’t have enough faith to believe that Jesus is God! I guess over 700 prophecies fulfilled about Him isn’t enough, they want proof. And Jesus provides it via faith. Sometimes backed up by actions, the proof of faith. I had a customer once who was a bitter, beligerant gay man. Who hated the fact I was a Christian, and was looking to vent on me. I was the one who would take his wrath for all those who deny Christ, because I don’t. I must be weak, for all Christians are. Wrong again. And when he got in my face, and physically threatened me, and could not be removed from the lot, I confronted him. Surprising him, as we all know Jesus was a weakling, or so the story goes. When he started attacking my Jesus, I got toe to toe with him, and told him, “when you leave here today, make sure you tell people that Jesus Christ saved your life. For if I wasn’t a Christian, I would have flattened you!” And he left, not saying a word. My boss just standing there watching. You see, Jesus Christ does save lives. Sometimes He just uses us to remind others.
You see there is still power in that name. But only when used properly. That wasn’t about me, although it could have been, but I cared that day for that man to see Jesus, and I still do today. Be angry and sin not, we are told. Tough to do. But it took a tough man to hang on a cross for six hours, to love us when we were and are unlovable. To ask His Father, “do not hold their sin against them, for they know no what they do.” Fortunately I wasn’t alone that day, I had Jesus with me. And there is still power in that name. Power that saves, and heals, and changes lives. And that day, it saved both of us. Me from a possible battery charge and jail, him from a stay in the hospital. Only Jesus can do that, don’t attempt that trick alone.
You see there are old names, resurrected names, and new names trying to take advantage of a reputation. But there is no other name at which all will bow to some day. Whether in heaven or hell, we will all bow to Jesus. I choose to now, I know I can use the practice. And if you are what you ride, then you certainly are who you believe in. Jesus Christ, more than just a resurrected name, He is who He said He was. It doesn’t take a graveyard for resurrection to work, only something dead, that is seeking life. And only found in Jesus. There is truly power in His name, but it takes Him to stand behind it. Why live on just His reputation when you can be making one with Him today? Not bad for man who never ran an ad, or a marketing campaign? There are names, and there are names. Bow now and avoid the rush. Now there is a name I am glad to rights to! Not bad for a 2000 year old model!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com